COUNTDOWN TO DIWALI SMOG: SC MAY ALLOW CRACKERS, BUT ON THE CLOCK

As Delhi braces for another smog-laden Diwali, the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on whether green firecrackers can briefly light up the capital's polluted skies.

- SAMBHAV SHARMA/AGENCIES

With Diwali just over a week away, the Supreme Court on Friday reserved its order on a plea seeking relaxation of the ban on green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, even as the national capital braces for another bout of post-festive smog. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai indicated that the court might permit the bursting of green crackers but only within specified time slots.

The bench, which heard submissions from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, said it would revisit the 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment while framing its order. Mehta, representing the NCR states, urged the Court to allow unrestricted use of green crackers, arguing that Diwali celebrations hold emotional significance for families. "When we were children, one hour would go just convincing parents to let us burst crackers. These are moments of joy," he said, adding that only Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-certified green crackers should be permitted and that units flouting norms would face immediate closure.